Current Affairs - International

The second Pax Silica Summit was held in Washington, D.C., on 25–26 June 2026, bringing together representatives from 35 countries, including India, to strengthen global cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI). The summit resulted in the adoption of the Joint Statement on AI Opportunity, promoting trusted AI governance, resilient supply chains, innovation-friendly policies, and industrial collaboration. Major announcements included the launch of the Pax Pass platform for AI-related supply chains and the Stanford-led Foundry School, supported by a US$50 million commitment from the United States to strengthen AI manufacturing and workforce development.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) of Israel to enhance bilateral cooperation in public sector auditing. The agreement focuses on exchanging professional knowledge, technical expertise, and best practices while promoting training opportunities and bilateral seminars. It also emphasises the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to improve auditing processes and performance oversight. The collaboration reflects the commitment of both countries to modernise public sector auditing through innovation, technology, and institutional cooperation.

India emerged as the world's leading ship recycling nation in 2025, achieving a 35.4% global market share and reaching the Maritime India Vision 2030 target five years ahead of schedule. The country's ship recycling volume increased significantly from 1.86 million Gross Tons (GT) in 2024 to 2.99 million GT in 2025. This achievement was supported by government initiatives, including financial assistance for modernising recycling yards, implementation of the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019, and compliance with the Hong Kong International Convention. India also plans to further expand its ship recycling capacity through the development of the Alang Ship Recycling Yard in Gujarat.

India secured the 13th position in the QS World Future Skills Index 2027, reflecting its growing readiness for an artificial intelligence-driven future. The country earned an overall score of 89.4 out of 100 and was recognised as one of the strongest-performing lower-middle-income economies in preparing for AI-led economic transformation. India performed particularly well in the "Future of Work" pillar, ranking 5th globally, while also demonstrating strengths such as a large digital workforce, an expanding startup ecosystem, increasing AI adoption, and strong demographic advantages. The ranking highlights India's significant potential to drive innovation and long-term economic growth.

Taiwan launched the five-day Immediate Combat Readiness Exercise on June 22, 2026, with the objective of improving its ability to transition quickly from peacetime to wartime operations. The exercise emphasises realistic combat conditions by using actual troops, terrain, and equipment rather than scripted scenarios. It is designed to strengthen command-and-control coordination, logistical support systems, and overall military preparedness. The drills also follow the deployment of US-made HIMARS rocket systems and serve as a precursor to the Han Kuang exercises, Taiwan’s largest annual military manoeuvres. These efforts aim to enhance defense readiness and response capabilities against potential security challenges.